The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 28

ZONE 3'S HOT WEATHER is nothing compared to Zone 1's. Why we're planting today is beyond me. My sweat clings to my shirt. Dirt got inside my eyes and I had to blink several times to wash it off with water. Have I mentioned that Declan lobbed worms at my face, and I had to hide behind Noritaka to protect myself? That Phoenix boy thinks he's so funny.

Now I'm using this colossal tree to shed my skin from the scorching sun. Screw this heat, screw this class. Honestly, I would've enjoyed it more if the weather was a bit cooler.

'Have some water.' I look up. It's Fumihiro. He hands me a cold bottle of water. 'Dehydration can kill you.'

'Thank you very much,' I say. Fumihiro's face brightens up a bit. I guess he wants me to speak their language more. 'Nice weather. The water is cold. Nice.' Damn it. If Eien were here, he'd frown and tell me to study more.

There's no need for that, thanks to Fumihiro. 'The disrespect! How come you're speaking to me informally when, as far as I know, I am older than you?'

'You're a year older.'

'It doesn't matter. I am still older.'

I give up. It's useless to argue with Fumihiro. 'OK, again, thank you for this. Have you had your drink yet?'

He nods. He gestures to the empty spot beside me. I shrug and invite him to relax with me.

When he finally sits down, he doesn't meet my eyes. Instead, he stares at the other students chatting and pranking each other. I start drinking. As seconds crawl by, I realise that this is our first time alone together. There's no Declan or Eien to distract us.

Should I say anything? He doesn't fancy talking unless he needs to complain.

'You don't look well today,' Fumihiro says suddenly that I almost spit out water.

'Huh?'

'I don't like repeating myself. And don't say 'huh' to me. You are very disrespectful.'

'Oh...' I clear my throat. 'Well, things haven't been...good.'

His eyes grow big, as if I've said something incredibly stupid. 'Does it mean we did something wrong? I know we'd had some drinks—don't tell anyone, or I'll give you a written homework—but my memory is clear.'

'Oh, no. Nothing like that. That day was perfect. Let's do it again.' I force myself to sound more enthusiastic by laughing and smiling as best as I can.

I know I'm not doing anything illegal, but the way he scrutinises me makes me feel like I'm about to get busted. 'I'm in no position to ask personal questions. However, I am familiar with that fake merriment.'

'Excuse me?'

He doesn't stop to consider what he's said. 'I am aware that you are close to Uchiyama, so once you two are back in your room, it's best to open up to him. It's not healthy to keep it all to yourself.'

'Fu—Watanabe, it isn't that serious. Really. Don't worry about me.'

He glowers. 'Who says I care about you? I'm only concerned that this... has an impact on your academic performance. That is all.'

'Thanks?'

Pushing his glasses up, he pulls out a kerchief from his pocket and wipes his face. 'I don't know what is going on with you, and I don't care at all. But whatever it is, I don't think this will make you fall.'

'Seriously, I'm all right!' I laugh, smiling as much as I can.

He narrows his eyes. 'No, you're not. You can trick anyone, but not me. Or Anderson, Uchiyama, and Yamato. Basically, anyone who is smarter than you.'

'Ouch.'

'And that's fine, isn't it? You have your friends to think of you, and you are here to make them happy. I am not saying we are friends. I'm talking about Uchiyama and Anderson. Possibly Yamato too.'

I offer him the bottle, but he shakes his head. Trying to think of something to say, I let my gaze hover over his head. For some reason, I can't force myself to look him in the eye. Fumihiro has always been honest with his emotions towards him. From the very first time we talked, he never said anything positive about me.

So now that he is acting nice (in his way), I don't know what to do. Yeah, I could thank him, but what else? That sounds so boring.

'Listen, I don't know what's going on, but... thank you,' I say. I feel my face heating up again. Shit, red spots will soon dot my cheeks and nose. I better get up and look busy.

'Honestly, you should take care of yourself more,' Fumihiro says.

When he is done, he stands up, leaving me speechless.

OK, who was that? That can't be Fumihiro! He must still be pissed from all the beers he'd consumed.

Then again, after what Alasdair had told me, I don't think I have any right to question why he acts that way towards me. I just hope he'll learn to trust me one day.